LeUyen Pham‘s versatile illustrations can be found in over 80 books, including picture books, graphic novels, and middle grade novels. In this episode, Uyen talks about leaving her high-paying animation job for full-time freelance, how and when to say “No” to potential clients and how she finds the kind of work she wants… Plus: Uncommon versatility and working with celebrities! Listen […] The post Interview with Kidlit Author and Illustrator LeUyen Pham :: Stories Unbound #9 appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.

Jake Parker, the creator of Inktober and World Art Drop Day, has worked on everything from animated films to comic books to picture books. In today’s episode we talk about Jake’s forthcoming picture book, Little Bot and Sparrow, and the many forms it took on it’s long road to publication. We also discuss the difference between […] The post Interview with Jake Parker :: Stories Unbound #8 appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.

In September of 2016, Claire Keane (Disney), Jenn Ely (Laika), Brian McDonald (Pixar, Disney) and I will host The Story Design Conference in the awe-inspiring city of Rome, Italy. This isn’t simply a “sit quietly and watch famous artists be awesome” kind of thing. It’s a personal, participatory conference designed to help you discover and develop your […] The post 11 Reasons Animation Artists Should Attend ‘The Story Design Conference’ appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.

In part one, Claire Keane (Disney, Penguin Random House), Jenn Ely (Laika, Google, Dreamworks), Brian McDonald (Pixar, Disney, Industrial Light & Magic) and I announced that we will be teaching at The Story Design Conference from September 28th – October 2nd 2016*, in the awe-inspiring city of Rome, Italy! (*Note: The conference was moved from May to September.) In celebration of our announcement, we decided to have a conversation about some […] The post Claire Keane, Jenn Ely & Brian McDonald on Art, Fear & Finding Your Calling (Part 2) :: ArtCast #93 appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.

Claire Keane (Disney, Penguin Random House), Jenn Ely (Laika, Google, Dreamworks) and Brian McDonald (Pixar, Disney, Industrial Light & Magic) and I have created a unique conference designed to help you become the great visual storyteller you are meant to be. In May of 2016, our Story Design Conference will take place in the awe-inspiring city of Rome, Italy. […] The post Claire Keane, Jenn Ely & Brian McDonald on Art, Fear & Finding Your Calling (Part 1) :: ArtCast #92 appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.

In part one we heard the story of Armand’s long road to success in the animation industry… Now, the conversation with Armand gets spiritual as we discuss ‘pure creativity,’ the role of Armand’s faith in his career and creative process and how many aspiring artists are working backwards… The conversation then spins around 180 degrees to focus on […] The post Interview with Armand Serrano (Part 2) :: ArtCast #91 appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.

Armand Serrano‘s inventive compositions, visceral line work and story-rich environment designs have made him a living legend in the animation industry. Join us today as we discuss the start of his long road to success in the animation industry which led to the creation of his trend-setting work on Mulan, Tarzan, Lilo & Stitch, Surf’s Up and Big Hero 6… *The comments section has moved! Please […] The post Interview With Armand Serrano (Part 1) :: ArtCast #90 appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.

Many artists are under the misconception that “the portfolio” is a fixed, finishable thing… This misconception can be particularly restrictive at conventions, job fairs and other recruiting events where you get frequent feedback from industry pros. In this episode we share a strategy that will help you design a physical portfolio that can adapt to the feedback […] The post PREVIEW OUR NEW SHOW! Escape From Art Jail #5: Designing An Adaptive Portfolio For Conventions & Recruiting Events appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.

In the first two parts of this interview, Jason Brubaker told us the story of his unexpected success at DreamWorks Animation and provided fresh perspective on the power of persistence. Now, in part three, we discuss his career-defining graphic novel reMIND, his record-breaking Kickstarter campaigns and the broad appeal of deeply personal work… Reminder: The comments section has moved! Please join us on The Oatley Academy website to comment on this episode! […] The post Interview With Jason Brubaker: DreamWorks Visual Development Artist and Creator Of “reMIND” (Part 3) :: Paper Wings Show #34 appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.

In part one of this interview, my good friend Jason Brubaker and I discussed his first big break, midlife crises, the brevity of life and the desire to create work with meaning. Now, in part 2, he tells the story of his unexpected success at DreamWorks Animation and provides fresh perspective on the power of persistence. Reminder: The comments section has moved! Please join us on The […] The post Interview With Jason Brubaker: DreamWorks Visual Development Artist and Creator Of “reMIND” (Part 2) :: ArtCast #89 appeared first on ChrisOatley.com.